Just a review – our area was “annexed” to the City of LB in 1909. But we are celebrating that 100 years ago many of the Cal Bungalow structures were built. What happened in 1919? That year was the end of WWI which allowed the city to release building permits for non-war activity.

Sometimes a look back to ‘how did we get here’ gives a fresh perspective.

Well before the city annexed this area the Tongva people called this area home [map]. Their descendants continue to recall and commemorate these times. Reminding us that what was considered during the 19th century as unchartered land was in fact a land-grab era. And bing bang boom we have ‘ownership’ of previously shared lands. So whether you own or rent our neighborhood has a long legacy, some shared and some owned and now both.

Here are some things to do or ponder …

Right after all the Cal Bungalows were built the country went into Prohibition [really there was a time that the sale of alcohol was prohibited!]. Drive by Joe Jost’s to see their sign out front [Anaheim and Temple]. A vestige of the time and favorite place to take out-of-towners.

Helen Densmore and her husband bought 110 acres in 1899 in the area call Rose Park South – she became nationally visible in the women’s movement. The country is celebrating 100 years of the Women’s Right to Vote. Thank you Helen!

Names change – Streets in the 1890’s were referred to as Densmore (6th St) and Garfield (Orizaba) for Garfield Tea Company. [hint: very much related to who owned the property]

If you think long term you could consider we are only stewards of this place. If you live in a 100 year old building please help maintain its health for the next

Have a 100 year celebration – invite people! Remember sharing is in our history.

Never say never – so the Street Light aka signal at 4th and Obispo – (Thank you Councilmember Pearce) is receiving power. The big gala hurrah and let’s give it up to DPW will be Monday 10am May 13th. But as we’ve said we’ve waited this long the date may change so check social media. But on the big day the light will flash and the paparazzi will snap photos and we will all celebrate that this is one more reminder to slow down.

In the meantime our local public access channel PadNet produced a really smart video – it made us look good! Thank you Darick and team! And Jessica, Samana, Danielle, Janna and Richard who joined Gretchen in exampling civic engagement the Rose Park way.